1inch launches Aqua shared liquidity layer for DeFi

DeFi platform 1inch announced the public launch of Aqua, a self‑custodial shared liquidity layer that lets providers use a single wallet balance across multiple positions without locking assets in pools. Aqua, which entered developer testing in November 2025, operates on a registry model and is available on 13 EVM‑compatible chains from day one, offering a risk‑controlled alternative to traditional pool‑based liquidity.

Alongside the product launch, 1inch introduced the Network Incentives program, a Merkl‑powered reward scheme funded with 10 million 1INCH tokens from the 1inch Foundation and an additional 500,000 USDC from the 1inch DAO. The program, managed by Degensoft Ltd, aims to boost liquidity growth and swap activity. "The liquidity provisioning space is broken," said co‑founder Sergej Kunz, adding that Aqua lets providers keep custody of their tokens until a swap is executed.